Wurfel, Wilhelm

1791-1852

Bohemian pianist and teacher; born at Planian. His mother gave him some instruction and he learned the principles of composition by studying the theoretical works and scores of the masters. He made a concert tour through Bohemia, Hungary and Poland and in 1815 was appointed professor at the Warsaw Conservatory. After a second tour he took up his residence in Vienna, where in 1826, he became music-director of the Karnthnerthor Theatre. His compositions include an opera, Rübezahl; a comic opera, Rothmantel; concerto for piano and orchestra, fantasias, rondos, polonaises and other music for piano.